Thinking a lot about cancer(surprise, surprise), thinking about how many lives it affects, wishing they had a cure, wondering why they don't. Did you know there are over 100 different types of cancer? And they are usually caused by one abnormal cell. It's a mystery with so many dependents. The finder for a cure would certainly be heaven sent(besides a multi-billionaire)-it's too complex otherwise.
I stumbled across a blog (a friend of a friend) tonight that told of another family just learning that their 6 year old son was diagnosed with ALL (same as Rylee's- it brought many emotions to the surface), reading about another friend who is in the middle of her battle with cancer, finding out a few months ago of a good friend of mine's mom diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, I started looking down my blog list and realized that many of you have experienced cancer in one way or another. Next month is breast cancer awareness- tonight I wanted to pass along a poem that a friend emailed me awhile ago in tribute to all those who have fought, are fighting or will fight this terrible disease. I'm sure they learned to slow down and realized what life is really all about.
"Slow Dance"(This is a poem written by a teenager girl with cancer. It was passed along by her doctor.)
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round? Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight? Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask how are you? Do you hear the reply?When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last.
Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow? And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die cause you never had time to call and say,'Hi'?
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast. Time is short. The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....thrown away.
Life is not a race. Do take it slower. Hear the music...before the song is over.
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I hate to name names, but I was shocked when I realized how many of you have also been affected by cancer (You'll know who you are). And this is just from those who read my blog.
Thinking of:
Amy H.'s father-in-law
Allison's friends
Amy S's mom
Katie C's mom
Jenny J's brother
Hailey's mom
Meagan's sister
Charakie's husband
Audra's brother-in-law
Jillian's mom and mother-in-law
Stephanie W's husband
Nicole's mom
Toni's mom
Katie' E's daughter
Rich's dad and sister
Tiffany S's husband
Vince's sister and wife
Angie herself
Leilani's mom
Tracy's mother-in-law
Sydney's sister
Ardath's husband
Bev's dad
Our families granddaughter, niece and cousin
Jace and Jaden's sister
Mine & Justin's daughter
Rylee herself
Leave a comment if I forgot anyone or if I named anyone wrongly. I think it would be interesting to note what kind of cancer too. Seriously, Race for the Cure!
10 comments:
girl - you brought tears to my eyes. sometimes i think i bury my emotions... it's been a little while since we've been done at my home - but, honestly, i don't want to forget. i don't want to forget what is important and WHO is important.
i still get angry... i don't cry as often. but, i'm so curious to know why! only time will tell...
what a beautiful post. thank you.
Thanks Natalie. I love visiting your blog. I always leave hoping and trying to be a better mom, wife and person.
Both of my Grandmother's died of cancer.
My maternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40's (I think). She passed away at 60 years from lung cancer. I was 14.
My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer when she was 85. She passed away a couple of months later. I was 24.
Thanks again for your insight and wisdom! (I love that angelic picture of Riley)
Nat
The post brings tears to my eyes as well. Going through something hard really puts the important stuff in perspective. We take WAY TOO MUCH for granted. To Live is a precious miracle.
You know, you never realize how many people are going through it, until you yourself are affected by it.
Nat what an awesome post... It brought tears to my eyes as well... Shelli Thomas sister in-laws mother died from breast cancer about a year before her and Ryan got married... she races for the cure every year. I also love the pic of Rylee
Rylee's picture is precious! Todd's sister has had cancer three times--and won the battle every time! Also, his mom, uncle, aunt, and his cousin's wife. It always turns life upside down. The only good that comes out of it are the lessons learned that come from a loving Heavenly Father.
Sidenote: A Sunbeam in our stake is on her last round of chemo. She sang the first verse to "Families Can be Together Forever" at their ward's CSMP Sunday. Not a dry eye in the house. She carried such a beautiful spirit as she sang. No doubt God is near these little ones.
Thanks for a great post.
As always, such a great reminder about what/WHO is important in life. I need to call you- sounds like I have fallen off the face of the earth and did not know about some people mentioned from your list. Makes me feel like a complete looser.
Hi Nat. Thanks for your post. My grandmother died of breast cancer when she was in her sixties. It would have been nice to know her.
What a great post Natalie....I haven't had a relative suffer from cancer, but I have had family friends that might as well have been family, and every october I think about my dear dear friend Teri Powell my heart aches at that loss! she was a second mom to me and I miss her soo much!! A big AMEN to "race for the cure!!"
What an awesome insight on life... it really is crazy to think about it.
Scott (Tiff's hubby)had testicular cancer, and now his dad is going through thyroid cancer.
My Grandpa has prostate cancer (they think- not sure if it's prostate yet)
My Grandma's sisters both died of breast cancer.
My other Grandma and my uncle had skin cancer.
There are just so many.... it's sad. Thanks for sharing your story, though. You really inspire a lot of people with your strength through it all!
(By the way, to answer your question- yes, it's at Madison Gymnastics, and there ARE all boy classes. Cannon is in Boys Level 1. I love it because he gets his energy out, and he's really gaining strength. He loves it!)
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